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New Mexico Hunting Article
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Critical Survival Tips for The Hunter
from: Maxx Sports GuidesUnfortunately, it's sometimes easy to get lost in an unfamiliar wood. Bringing along a compass and maps of the general area you'll be hunting should help if you should get lost. Carry a flashlight with extra batteries in case you get caught out after dark.
There are also flashlights on the market now that operate by just a shake, eliminating the need for batteries. Matches in a waterproof case are essential and a sharp knife is good to have as well. A traditional Bowie or a Swiss Army knife both serves the purpose.
Essentials for Your Survival Kit
Some granola, candy bars, or dried fruit are a good idea to bring along if you're not skilled at finding food in the wild. Never eat any plants or berries unless you're familiar with what types are poisonous. If you're unsure of the safety of a plant or its fruit, don't eat it. Risking an illness while stranded in the wild is not preferable to an empty stomach.
A couple of bottles of drinking water is also necessary. Humans can survive for weeks without food, but only three days without water. You won't want to drink water found on the land without boiling it for several minutes, first to kill off any bacteria or parasites.
It's recommended you carry a needle and thread in your survival kit. These materials can be used to repair torn clothing. You can also stitch up a wound to stop heavy bleeding in case an injury occurs and you can't get medical attention right away.
Most hunters carry a six to eight-foot length of rope to help drag their game back to the truck or haul equipment up into a tree stand. This rope can be used in many ways if you're stranded in the woods for an extended period of time. You can use a rope for first aid purposes, to help build a shelter, or to secure equipment during your hike. You can even string up a makeshift clothesline to dry wet clothing should you fall into standing water. Be sure to keep your rope with you and not in the truck.
Another good idea is to wear a belt when you're out hunting. A belt can be used as a tourniquet in an emergency, as well as help secure a splint to a limb if necessary. A belt is one first aid item that you don't have to cart around either.
Fire Safety When Stranded
It's important to follow camp safety guidelines when starting a fire under any conditions in the wild. Always triple check to make sure a fire is completely out before leaving the area to prevent flare ups and a potential forest fire. Choose an area away from trees and shrubs, and line your pit with small boulders or stones to help contain the embers.
Gather larger logs and sticks and stack them in a teepee fashion. Then gather small twigs and scraps of paper to use as kindling at the base of your teepee. Blowing gently on your kindling will help the flames catch hold. You can use pine boughs to shield your fire from wind if necessary. You can also use boughs to stand or sit on if snow is present. This will help insulate your feet from the cold while warming yourself near the fire.
New Mexico Hunting News